Let the Celebrations Begin…

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Manchester 375th 2020 Calendar Is Here, Along with Restocked Commemorative Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles

The official kickoff to Manchester’s 375th Anniversary is coming fast.  Come the new year, all the fruits of the 375th Committee’s labor will be here with a year-long, 25-event celebration that will offer concerts, high teas, walks in the feet of history makers and waterfront family fun.

There is still much you can do right now to get into the spirit of the birthday party while also helping support the cause. Two of them are ready for purchase (just in time for early bird shopping for the holidays) and with all proceeds going to support the town celebration schedule next year it’s definitely worth it.

First up, the Manchester 375th Celebration 2020 Wall Calendar – $20.

The Manchester 375th Celebration Wall Calendar is available now at local retailers, the library and the Manchester Historical Museum.  It features beautiful historic images and marks every celebration event this coming year.

In 2020, Manchester by-the-Sea will be celebrating its 375th trip around the sun.  The 375th Anniversary Committee has organized at least one event each month to honor this special year.  From the Christmas tree bonfire at the Manchester Athletic Club in January to the black tie gala at the Essex County Club in March, high tea at Sharksmouth in May, and many more events for families as well as nights dedicated just for the grown-ups, this calendar captures them all. Sponsors are listed. 

Residents may purchase the Manchester 375th Celebration 2020 Wall Calendar at the Manchester Historical Museum (10 Union Street), Manchester-by-the-Sea Public Library (15 Union Street), Allen’s Health Mart Pharmacy (40 Beach Street), 4 Beach Gifts & Goodies (4 Beach Street), Richdale (8 Beach Street) and People’s United Bank (11 Summer Street).

Next, don’t forget the Manchester 375th Commemorative Liberty 480-Piece Wooden Puzzle – $125

This old-fashioned wooden puzzle is made by the famous Liberty Puzzle Company in Colorado, with 480 wooden jig-sawed pieces.  The puzzle is designed to be an heirloom, and its design is a replica of the Manchester Downtown quilt that hangs at Town Hall.

Also available for purchase at the Manchester Historical Museum, the Public Library, and Town Hall is the official Manchester by-the-Sea commemorative wooden puzzle.  Made in Boulder, CO and featuring nearly 500 uniquely shaped pieces, the puzzle has already been a joy for folks who were able to purchase them this summer before the 375th Anniversary Committee sold out of its initial orders.  

The puzzle depicts the Nancy Wright-designed quilt “Manchester-by-the-Sea” that hangs on the wall of the Board of Selectmen meeting room in Town Hall, depicting a stylized version of downtown Manchester. For two years, a talented group of needle workers met weekly to bring to life the quilt, which shows the landmarks and special places such as Tuck’s Point, the Trask House, Fire Department, Library, Masconomo Park, Singing Beach, Seaside One and, of course, Town Hall.  The inspiration for the puzzle came from Sue Thorne, who thought an old-fashioned, “real” wooden puzzle would be the perfect initial emblem product for the celebration. “It’s not a puzzle as much as an heirloom,” she said.  

How many heirlooms can you take out for an evening of challenging fun with your friends or family?  Not many. And besides, this one will last you forever.

The puzzle has been reordered and is now back in stock and just in time for the holidays.  

Coupled with the calendar, the puzzle makes a great gift for clients, new residents, families with a long history with and great stories about Manchester, and anniversary and weddings gifts.  The ability to gift something truly personal and unique can be almost impossible these days. Both the 375th anniversary calendar and our town’s commemorative puzzle not only achieve these difficult goals, but also a portion of sales will assist with supporting the 375th Anniversary Committee’s efforts in providing a year’s worth of celebrations that our town well deserves.

The puzzles cost $125 each, which is in line with the Liberty Puzzle pricing.  The calendar is $20. As mentioned, all the money from the puzzle sales go to the 375th celebration fund.  

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